Busan
After Gyeongju, we headed to Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city. As soon as we arrived at the station, we immediately felt the vibrant energy of this coastal city. Busan has a different vibe from Seoul – more relaxed but still lively, a perfect blend of modernity and nature.
When planning our trip, we had hoped to attend a concert, preferably with traditional music. Eventually, we found out about the 29th K-pop DREAM CONCERT, which was open to non-Korean attendees and aimed at supporting Busan’s bid for the 2030 World Expo.
By coincidence, our schedule had us arriving in Busan on May 27, just in time. The city ultimately wasn’t selected, but we had an amazing time nonetheless.
Although I don’t see K-pop as the core of Korean culture, it certainly serves as the country’s biggest window to the world and is likely the most significant driver of tourism.
I made an effort to learn about the various groups performing on stage that night. No fewer than 20 groups showed their talent, including the well-known BTOB and Tempest (and also Golden Child, Kim Jae-hwan, Kim Taewoo, a former member of g.o.d., Drippin, Dreamcatcher, BB Girls, Oh My Girl, Everglow, ITZY, JO1, NMIXX, TAN, Lapillus, JUST B, NINE.I, and Mirae).
The photo quality isn’t the best; we had good seats but were still far from the stage, and the large screens were the best way to really see the performers.
Surrounding the concert, various activities were organized: K-pop dance workshops, K-beauty, photo booths, contests, and pastry tastings, each with the chance to win prizes.
The little pink plush toy is one of them.
One thing that surprised me: the audience was remarkably disciplined. Although the concert was highly energetic, with plenty of dancing, everyone remained seated. No signs, no craning necks to catch a glimpse of the stage—just a comfortable, organized experience!
Bad luck on our second day in Busan. While the weather had been bright and very warm the day before, this day was generous with rain, and the sky remained gray all day.
We had planned to visit Gamcheon Village. Despite the gloomy weather, we stuck to the plan. Having seen hundreds of colorful photos taken from the heights of the village, we were excited. And, of course, to see the Little Prince too.
We went through with it, in an atmosphere that reminded us of Belgium in November.
Jagalchi Market. Let's return to the authentic Busan, which means a must-visit to Jagalchi Market.
This stop led us to Jagalchi Market, an iconic spot in Busan.
As soon as we stepped out of the taxi, the fresh scent of the sea hit us. Jagalchi Market is the largest fish market in South Korea, and it's here where you truly feel the soul of the city. The stalls are overflowing with freshly caught seafood: fish, crabs, shellfish – everything is there, some even still alive, creating a spectacle all its own.
We wandered between the stands, greeted by vendors inviting us to try their offerings. Strolling through the aisles, we discovered types of fish and seafood you won’t find elsewhere, all within the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional Korean market. The contrast between the colorful stalls and the distant view of the sea made this a unique, authentic experience of Busan.
There was also this small restaurant where we sat down to enjoy freshly prepared seafood right before our eyes – a true feast for the senses. The ambiance was lively, loud, yet incredibly welcoming. I even met a lovely grandmother (whom I politely called "eomonim" instead of "ahjumma" to avoid any offense).
I only knew the basics of polite Korean, and when it came time to pay, I got a bit mixed up on the amount. Eomonim kindly went over the total with me to clear up any confusion.
To escape the rain, what better place than a café? Since we were in Busan, it was clear that the place to be was Magnate, the café owned by Jimin’s father (yes, Jimin from the mega-famous BTS, who happens to be a Busan native, if he even needs an introduction). The place has plenty of style, with Army fans as expected.
Contrary to what I imagined, the prices are very reasonable – no more expensive than other places – and everything is absolutely delicious.
The decor is stylish, and the atmosphere is very calm. There’s even a chance of running into the owner, who’s almost as famous as his son. It turns out he was there that day, Though we missed him since I didn’t recognize him!
Our stop in Busan ended at Haeundae Beach. It was still raining, but no matter; you just can’t skip Haeundae. Umbrellas had never felt so useless, but who cares? No regrets.
